Travelling has always been a pleasure for all the excursionists and globetrotters, be it for the sake of business or just for leisure. There has been a major shift in the travel sector in the past few years and the introduction of modern elements have attracted more of the market. Even if we picture the time of pandemic, the travel industry hardly underwent a total lockdown of operations. Inevitably, the situation back then prompted the experts to make changes in their system of operation to best deal with the crisis and some of them are being adopted till now. Let’s look into those trends.
1. Rise of touchless service
The acceleration of touchless services is a direct result of Covid-19. The layover or the transit time during international flights which air passengers utilize for recreational activities is one of the major sources of income for airports. To ensure minimal human interaction, a number of technologies have been introduced such as kiosks systems for self-ordering, biometric systems for identification, artificial intelligence, payment by cards, digital identity management and other digital tools etc. Through these unique methods companies try to deliver contactless and seamless services to the customers. These technologies are also used for ticketing and airport check ins. Google Pay or Apple Pay have also allowed customers to make contactless payments for hotel stays, food, transport and other services without the need for a card.
2. Safety and hygiene
Consumers have become more health conscious since the outbreak of pandemic so safety and hygiene has become a priority for them even when it comes to the airline they choose to travel. Tourists have been hesitant to visit places or tourist hot spots because of the rise in Covid cases. Airlines, hotels and other companies had to redefine their health and safety policies and measures to keep their customers safe and to attract them. Whether you talk about airlines, hotels, malls or restaurants you will find socially distanced seats, face masks, hand sanitizers and more cleanliness than before.
3. Automation and Artificial Intelligence
More and more people are relying on internet chatbots to book their travel and accommodation. These AI powered chatbots can handle customer queries efficiently and help them by providing useful information even when human workforce is not available for guidance. With Artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, finding or booking your trips is no longer a problem. AI provides a personalized experience in the form of smart hotel rooms. The technology provides room services according to the customer or guests needs and preferences. AI makes adjustments in their surroundings, ensures security, and provides virtual guidance to tourists.
4. Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT devices with sensors and microprocessors means that you can connect and control them through the internet. All the smart room hotels that you might have visited have heating, entertainment and cooling systems that depend on IoT to provide better experience to guests. Through voice controlled room assistants, they can control and fine tune in-room features or even book a table and call a waiter by simply communicating with the device in the room. Electronic key cards have also been introduced to lock and unlock the door through the phones.
5. Virtual and Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality is very much useful in the tourist industry since it combines the real world experiences with the virtual elements. Some AR apps on tourist smartphones help them to provide information regarding the area they want to visit or explore. Information can be about the list of famous eateries near the historical place or entertainment venues they might visit, details about the landmarks, tourist spots or buildings etc. Augmented Reality is used in museums where visitors can see a virtual overlay of the monuments and artifacts. Augmented Reality is also used to provide the menu of the restaurants and to view the virtual maps with the help of the internet.
All in all, travel and tourism trends are becoming
more fascinating and exciting as technology is making strides.
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